Biomechanical insights into the development and optimization of small-diameter vascular grafts.

Abstract

Small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs; inner diameter ≤6 mm) offer transformative potential for treating cardiovascular diseases, yet their clinical application remains limited due to high rates of complications such as acute thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH), which compromise long-term patency. While advancements in biological and material science have driven progress, the critical role of biomechanical factors-such as hemodynamic forces and mechanical mismatch-in graft failure is often overlooked. This review presents insights from recent clinical trials of SDVG products and summarizes biomechanical contributors to failure, including disturbed flow patterns, mechanical mismatch, and insufficient mechanical strength. We outline essential mechanical performance criteria (e.g., compliance, burst pressure) and evaluation methodologies to assess SDVG performance. Furthermore, we present optimization strategies based on biomechanical principles: (1) graft morphological design optimization to improve hemodynamic stability, (2) structural, material, and fabrication innovations to achieve compliance matching with native arteries, and (3) biomimetic approaches to mimic vascular tissue and promote endothelialization. By systematically addressing these biomechanical challenges, next-generation SDVGs may achieve superior patency, accelerating their clinical translation. This review highlights the necessity of considering biomechanical compatibility in SDVG development, thereby providing initial insights for the clinical translation of SDVG. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) offer transformative potential for cardiovascular disease treatment but face clinical limitations. While significant progress has been made in biological and material innovations, the critical role of biomechanical factors in graft failure has often been underestimated. This review highlights the importance of biomechanical compatibility in SDVG design and performance, emphasizing the need to address disturbed flow patterns, mechanical mismatch, and inadequate mechanical strength. By proposing optimization strategies based on biomechanical principles, such as graft morphological design, compliance matching, and biomimetic approaches, this work provides a roadmap for developing next-generation SDVGs with improved patency. These advancements have the potential to overcome current limitations, accelerate clinical translation, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.